Air’s a bit dirtier

Here’s the latest on the air quality in the capital from Tini Tran of the Associated Press:

On Thursday, the pollution index rose up to 69, but remained within the national standard for acceptable air.

China Photos

Tourists visit a row of shops on Thursday at Qianmen Avenue, Beijing.

A day earlier, the city’s air pollution index had dropped to 44, less than half what it was on Tuesday, and the lowest since July 20 when the first measures came into effect. A cooling wind and some rain earlier this week helped sweep away pollutants and gave Beijingers a respite from the sultry heat and humidity that had cloaked the city for days.

A reading below 50 is considered good and between 51 to 100 is moderate. But critics say even moderate levels are still above the World Health Organization’s guidelines for healthy air.

One Response

wow you guys take this air quality thing way to seriously. I live in California and go to beijing for extended periods of time every year and I dont find the air that bad. I live at a 25th store apartment and see the entire city fine, and if you can’t see outside, then I dont know where you are living at, maybe indeed, you are not at beijing.

To all the critics and bashers: if you think the air is bad, then dont come, no one is begging you to come.

And to whoever that suggest bringing facemasks to the game, then go ahead and bring it. But if you do bring it, then dont take it off and wear them for 30 days. Otherwise I have no respect for you!